Chris Ledger (3-21), Bryan Conlon (3-32) and Shashikant Kadam (2-23) inspired Littletown, who won in 34 overs as Sam Harris led the way with six fours in an unbeaten 43, supported by Dan Pearson (39), Philip Bennett (30) and Kadam (28no).

Murton took all the plaudits as they put a hole in Whiteleas’ promotion plans with a three-wicket win.

Phumzile Yiba led the wicket taking assault with 3-18, with Ray MacRae (52) losing partners hand over fist in the early stages of the innings – indeed the first seven departed for just 10 runs between them before late contributions from nine, ten and jack gave the final total of 145 some respectability.

Chris Winn and Thomas Spinks both took two wickets.

Murton skipper Ben Wicling then hit 11 fours in his opening half century, before Ricardo de Nobrega marshalled the later batsmen to victory with an unbeaten 34, while Jordan Vout made 21 and Lewis Aiken 18. On this occasion, Abdul Ameer (12 overs 5-39) was unable to change the outcome of the match.

Leas’ defeat left the door open for leaders Peterlee (222-9) to forge a convincing advantage at the top of the table.

But they were unable to dispose of Boldon CA (120-8) and had to be satisfied with a 16-point return for their efforts which at least saw their lead over Leas increase to 14.

Craig made 57 for Peterlee, backed by Thorpe (45), Joseph Spalding (42) and Tom Nicholson (38), then Aaron Shellie (3-20) and Spalding (3-17) went to work with the ball.

Ushaw Moor now look a serious threat, an 89-run hammering of hosts Houghton bringing them to within one point of Whiteleas in the table.

John Southeran (84) and Steven Parnaby (33) led them to 199-8 declared as Justin Langen bagged 3-64, while Niki Lawson and Ross Bainbridge both struck twice.

Marsden appear to have come completely off the rails, a third defeat of the season sending them into the bottom half of the table just a few short weeks after they were challenging for promotion.

Ryhope were their undoing this week, Sagar Udeshi (4-17 from nine overs) and Jack Tomlin (3-6) leaving them with only 106 to defend, something that Paul Jenkin (53 not out from 82 balls) and Daniel Douglas (24) ensured they were unable to do.